SPARTA, N.C. (WGHP) — Officials in Sparta are investigating a police officer after a video was shared online. According to a news release shared Thursday morning on Sparta's town Facebook page, the town is "aware and investigating an incident involving one of our police officers." The town s aid that the incident has been under investigation since March 12 when the town was "first notified" and "provided evidence of the video." The video in question, which was shared on social media, appears to show a marked Sparta Police Department patrol car stopped beside another vehicle in the snow. The two vehicles quickly begin driving in what seems to be a drag race. "The employee involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation by the town and any appropriate outside agencies," the town said in a statement. "We are unable to comment on ongoing investigations." Sparta states in the release that officials do not condone the actions shown in the video circulating social media and that they will ensure "a fair investigation" before any disciplinary actions will be taken. The town says that this investigation will take time and "require meticulous information gathering." "The actions displayed in the video are not a representation of the Sparta Police Department and its officers," the release said. "Our officers are dedicated professionals. Despite their professionalism and dedication, they will make mistakes and their mistakes will be investigated in a fair and thorough manner. We apologize to those individuals affected by this incident but assure the public the incident is being handled in accordance to policy and procedures to protect the town and the employees' rights to a fair process." ...read more read less